Elvis Costello

[King Emlyn]

Went to see this genius on the Philharmonic last Monday, I've not listened to anything else since. He's every bit as good as any songwriter you could care to mention, the quality of his work is ridiculous, one of England's true greats. I know Stringvest is a worshipper, any others?

[King Emlyn]

Also I was struck by just how strong his voice has become, I last saw him on the Royal Court in something like 1981, his voice has matured wonderfully.

[Tom R]

He can't sing for shit

[stringvest]

He is a genius.  The only thing that stops me going to see him quite so often these days is Davey Farragher.  

[Mook]

I always think I should give his stuff a whirl, his version of Shipbuilding is one of my favourite tracks going.

 

What are the best albums for a novice to get started on?

[King Emlyn]

Shipbuilding is one of the greatest songs ever written I think, also he wrote it not Wyatt a common misconception.

[stringvest]

He can't sing for shit

 

Nah, he can sing Tom.  His voice is marmite, but he can properly sing.  

[King Emlyn]

I always think I should give his stuff a whirl, his version of Shipbuilding is one of my favourite tracks going.What are the best albums for a novice to get started on?

Just about anywhere mate, though I do think his early albums with the Attractions are still his best work.

[magicrat]

Went to see this genius on the Philharmonic last Monday, I've not listened to anything else since. He's every bit as good as any songwriter you could care to mention, the quality of his work is ridiculous, one of England's true greats. I know Stringvest is a worshipper, any others?

Big fan. Gutted I missed him,

 

Funnily enough  "Man out of Time" just came on the the ipod shuffle  when i was in the car about 10 minutes ago. Great song  

[stringvest]

I always think I should give his stuff a whirl, his version of Shipbuilding is one of my favourite tracks going.

 

What are the best albums for a novice to get started on?

 

Listen to the first two Mook - the first one was released when he was 22 and before he got his own band, so he was given Clover (Huey Lewis and The News's backing band).  It has a US country/rock feel, but there's no getting away from the quality of what are very simple songs.  The second album (This Year's Model)was with the Attractions, as tight a band as you can ever wish to hear.  I'd also listen to Get Happy (he crammed 20 two and three minute songs onto an LP) - a sort of soul pastiche, but again the songs are great.  The albums Trust, Imperial Bedroom, King of America and Blood and Chocolate are also fabulous pieces of work imo.  

[stringvest]

Big fan. Gutted I missed him,

 

Funnily enough  "Man out of Time" just came on the the ipod shuffle  when i was in the car about 10 minutes ago. Great song  

 

Man Out Of Time is an example of his genius imo.

[King Emlyn]

Stringvest knows.

[Teflon Don]

Went to see this genius on the Philharmonic last Monday, I've not listened to anything else since. He's every bit as good as any songwriter you could care to mention, the quality of his work is ridiculous, one of England's true greats. I know Stringvest is a worshipper, any others?

 

I was there as well - great show and he was indeed in fine voice throughout.

[King Emlyn]

"Green Shirt" is one of my favourites, another masterpiece.

[King Emlyn]

I was there as well - great show and he was indeed in fine voice throughout.

Negged by accident obviously, sausage fingers here.

[magicrat]

Man Out Of Time is an example of his genius imo.

One of my favs along with "Indoor Fireworks"  and "Everyday I write the Book"

[magicrat]

Negged by accident obviously, sausage fingers here.

sorted

[stringvest]

couple of random tracks from the first two albums to give you a flavour

 

Sneaky Feelings

 

 

Hand In Hand

 

[King Emlyn]

Seldom, if ever, an artist of longevity peaks at the beginning yet maintains brilliance throughout a career lasting decades. Elvis Costello, genius.

[stringvest]

And this.  Listen to the first side. On loud.  10 songs, 25 minutes.  That should be enough to do it.  Then listen to the second...

 

lots of fun trying to work out who the Attractions are trying to be on each track too

 

[sir roger]

Excellent as usual at the Phil & a nice personal touch with the videos of his dad. Notice he has dropped ' Tramp The Dirt Down' now Thatcher is dead. Not sure Ms Krall would be impressed at his keenness to get the fit, young sisters from the support act on stage with him at every opportunity !!

 

There's a pretty good discussion piece online rating his albums from 25 to 1 in quality. The fact he has 25 to argue about is testament to his longevity & brilliance. The only one I've ever regretted buying was the operatic one about Hans Christian Andersen which my mate recommended & will always be referred to as the 'Danny Kaye ' one.

[stringvest]

From Trust:

 

New Lace Sleeves

 

 

Clubland

 

[Teflon Don]

Here's a live TV performance of 'London's Brilliant Parade' from Brutal Youth:

 

[Nunavut Patrick]

He steals our women.

[Kemlyn King]

He's a weird one Elvis Costello. I've just never got round to properly listening to his albums. I'm familiar with his hits but I've never properly connected.

Deffo nothing wrong with that voice. Instantly recognisable!

Just remember him for the Scully theme tune. Watched it recently...shite! The theme song still sounds fantastic and it was a B side.

Painting the town red is a great title!